Editing Surat Thani province (section)

==History==
The region of Surat Thani has a long history of human habitation, dating back to prehistoric times. It was initially inhabited by indigenous [[Semang]] and [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malayan]] tribes. In the 3rd century, the area came under the influence of the [[Srivijaya]] kingdom, a powerful entity that controlled much of the [[Malay Peninsula]] until the 13th century. The city of [[Chaiya]], located in modern-day Surat Thani, is home to several archaeological ruins from the Srivijaya period, indicating its historical significance. There is a belief among some Thai historians that Chaiya may have served as a regional, or possibly even the primary capital of the Srivijaya kingdom, although this assertion remains a subject of scholarly debate. Another notable settlement from this era was [[Wiang Sa District, Surat Thani|Wiang Sa]], which also played a significant role during the time of Srivijaya's dominance.

[[File:Chaiya Wat Kaew.jpg|left|thumb|Wat Kaew in Chaiya, dating from Srivijavan times.]]
Following the decline of the Srivijaya kingdom, the region was partitioned into the cities (''[[mueang]]'') of Chaiya, Thatong (present-day [[Kanchanadit]]), and Khirirat Nikhom. Chaiya was governed directly from the Thai capital, whereas Thatong and Khirirat Nikhom came under the jurisdiction of the [[Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom]]. In 1899, these cities were amalgamated to form a single province named Chaiya. 

In 1915, significant administrative changes occurred. The capital city of the [[Monthon]] [[Monthon Surat Thani|Chumphon]] was relocated the city from [[Chaiya district|Chaiya]] to [[Mueang Surat Thani District|Bandon]]. During a visit by King [[Vajiravudh]] (Rama VI) on 29 July 1915, Bandon was renamed ''Surat Thani'', a change possibly inspired by the major port city of Surat in [[Gujarat]], [[India]]. Concurrently, the Monthon was also renamed Surat. In 1926, this Monthon was abolished and integrated into Monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat. Following the dissolution of the monthon system in 1933, Surat Thani was established as a first-level administrative division, gaining the status of a province. [[File:Borom That Chaiya.jpg|upright|thumb|right|160px|Srivijaya or Sailendra-style pagoda, Chaiya.]]

The administrative headquarters of Surat Thani Province were originally housed in a building located in Tha Kham, within the [[Phunphin District]]. Before [[World War II]], the administrative center was relocated to the city of Surat Thani, situated along the Tapi River. This river shares its name with the [[Tapti River|Tapi River]] in [[Surat]], located in the southern region of Gujarat, India. 

During the [[Japanese invasion of Thailand]] on 8 December 1941, the administrative building in Surat Thani was destroyed amidst the conflict that engulfed the city. The building was eventually reconstructed in 1954. However, on 19 March 1982, the building was targeted in a bombing by communist insurgents, resulting in its destruction and the tragic loss of five lives. 

Following this incident, a new provincial administration building was constructed at a different location, south of the city center. The site of the former provincial hall has since been repurposed and now hosts the [[Lak Mueang|city pillar shrine]] (''Lak Mueang''). This third and current administrative building continues to serve as the provincial government's headquarters.